Learning Centre

How Much Do Medical Cushions and Mattresses Cost?

The Importance of Patient Comfort

The comfort that a medical cushion provides should be an important factor in the buying decision.

The first thing to do is determine the average length of time a patient is resting on a support surface and the average weight of the patient.

Knowing these figures will give you an idea of the material and thickness that is best suited for your patients.

For example, if the average time is 3 hours and the average weight is 280 lbs, a standard 2” foam cushion will probably not be very comfortable.

In addition to patient comfort is patient condition.

Are your patients in a condition where they are more prone to developing pressure sores or ulcers? If they are, you might want to consider a higher quality, premium foam cushion that includes memory foam.

Types of Closed-Cell Memory Foam and Density

Low-Density

Medium Density

High Density

Weight

3 lbs per cubic ft.

4 to 5 lbs per cubic ft.

+6 lbs per cubic ft.

Quality

Soft

Blend of comfort, support, durability

Stiff

Price

Inexpensive

Reasonably priced

Expensive

Longevity

2 – 4 years

4 – 6 years

5 – 10 years

Types of Foam Mattresses

Two main types:

Standard

Sof-Care

Standard medical foam cushions and mattresses are fairly basic, which may or may not include memory foam.

To compensate for the absence of memory foam, some manufacturers use high-density foam, which is harder than normal foam, making the mattress stiffer and firmer.

*Note: The way to tell if a mattress has memory foam is if it immediately regains its original shape after pressure is taken off (i.e. press down with your hand and if your handprint stays there and slowly disappears, there is memory foam in that cushion).

Most standard cushions and mattresses will have an anti-skid feature and be electrically conductive, however you still probably want to confirm.

Sof-Care or premium foam cushions and mattresses offer a lot more in material stability and safety.

These cushions will come with multiple layers of different types of foam.

The bottom may have denser foam that prevents bottoming out, a middle layer made of medium-density foam, and a top layer of memory foam layer that conforms to the patient’s shape.

One of the most important features of premium foam mattresses is that they should have welded seams to ensure a fluid-proof barrier that prevents cross contamination.

What Makes Memory Foam So Special?

WebMD gives us the origins of memory foam. “First designed in the mid-1960s for NASA airplane seats, memory foam is made from a substance called viscoelastic. It is both highly energy absorbent and soft”.

“Memory foam moulds to the body in response to heat and pressure, evenly distributing body weight.

It then returns to its original shape once you remove the pressure.”

How to Best Match Hospital Equipment with Foam Cushions

The cost of hospital-grade foam mattresses will depend on what it’s being used for.

A surgical table cushion set will be different from a stretcher mattress.

A cushion for an arm support is not the same as cushions for stirrups.

Here is a list of common medical equipment that requires foam cushion or mattress:

To Get A Quote For Your Cushions Or Mattresses, Fill Out The Form Below!

2 Comments on “How Much Do Medical Cushions and Mattresses Cost?”

Hello, I have skytron surgical tables (6001 and 6002) that need pad replacement. The average time a person is on the table is 2 hours. I am thinking medium density and either 3 or 4″ is sufficient- depending on price difference. We currently have some pads that are not holding up well and have started to stretch and tear, particularly when heat is near (but not directly on). I feel like these pads may be memory foam material. I would prefer for the outside material to be made of a stiffer material for this reason. Can you help me with the correct pad and pricing please. If it makes a difference, we have HPG discounting. Thanks, Rhonda

Thanks for the comment, Rhonda. Further to our other discussion, the Territory Manager for your area will be able to answer all of your questions and give you specific details on our Sof-Care products. Feel free to email him with all of your questions at the email we provided you earlier, and he can always reach out to you too. Thanks again!